CX's dishonourable media release

[Melburnian1]

CX is under pressure from the mainland communist Chinese government in a few ways, and has apparently been the subject of social media condemnation in mainland China.

It has also sacked - "let go" - at least a couple of staff who participated in the ongoing Hong Kong pro-democracy demos.

Its media release of 14 August 2019 is a new low in corporate doublespeak and disinformation.

At the bottom it says it "reiterates its firm support for the Hong Kong government, the Chief Executive and the Police in their efforts to restore law and order."

But it's that very government (a puppet of Beijing) that's broken the commitment to keep the Basic Law until 2046! This was agreed to in 1997 when the Poms withdrew.

I have used CX a few times in the past. It's now on my no fly list.

(And this is the company whose out of touch Chairman said "customers (sic) prefer our new 10-across Y seats." ) There's a separate AFF thread on that.

I hope some who fly frequently make their displeasure known to CX at its approval for Marxist thuggery in Hong Kong.

 

[moa999]

Just think - Cathay Dragon could lose flying rights immediately, and Cathay itself in a few years

They are simply ensuring they stay alive.

Look at Versace

Versace apologises after T-shirt angers China

The luxury label is the latest firm to face backlash for not adhering to China's territorial claims.

www.bbc.com

 

[dajop]

Yes, but not surprising, given that the airline is partially owned by the Chinese government (~30% of shares held by Air China).

Interesting article:

Cathay Pacific caught in crossfire of Hong Kong's crisis

HONG KONG: Cathay Pacific has flown into a storm of controversy generated by the Hong Kong protests that has left it trying to appease an angry Beijing while not alienating its home market.More than 10 weeks of sometimes-violent demonstrations have wracked the semi-autonomous city, with millions

www.channelnewsasia.com

 

[Isochronous]

As far as I understand it, CX has only fired 2 people and that was for disclosure of private information (passenger identification) to the media - the HK Police soccer team travelling to China to play, apparently.

Of course the press release and internal memos from the CEO aren't ideal, but there are a few ways of looking at this:

1) these 'official statements' from CX appear to take a tough line and support the government
2) on the other hand, Chairman John Slosar has openly said that CX can't, and wouldn't dream of, attempting to dictate the opinions of their staff
3) this may be CX merely keeping up appearances with Communist China whilst doing as little as possible - it would be different if they were embarking on mass sackings of anyone who posted something on Twitter supporting the protests
4) the statements distinguish between legal and illegal protests - which implicitly endorses the actions of everyone involved in the authorised protests

As many others have observed on the HK Twittersphere, the protestors feel they have achieved a lot because the Chinese are now boycotting CX and visits to HK and Taiwan. Thus these places/services are now all more attractive for other Western and Asian tourists

 

[FL360]

Update - the union boss of KA was shown the door, after a pro-democracy screen capture on her personal facebook was provided to management. Deeming her unfit to fly in PRC air spaces - therefore unable to fulfill her duties.

many CX crew now have their personal FB account suspended voluntarily as a job saving measure.

Cathay flight attendant says fired over Facebook posts on HK protests

A flight attendant on Friday accused Cathay Pacific of summarily firing her over Facebook posts linked to Hong Kong's political crisis, adding to concerns about a China-driven witch-hunt to root out pro-democracy supporters at major firms. The Hong Kong-based airline has been accused of bowing...

news.yahoo.com

there is a dilemma, if you fly CX, you support the companies' behavior.

if you don't fly CX, job cuts will follow for these people.

there are no win win.

 

[Melburnian1]

This complicated piece states that a trade union rally planned for Wednesday 28 at CX HQ has been banned:

Hong Kong police ban rally at Cathay Pacific HQ, as airline issues fourth statement in support of authorities | Hong Kong Free Press HKFP

Hong Kong police banned a rally at the headquarters of Cathay Pacific Airways on Wednesday citing a court injunction imposed at the airport to restrict demonstrations. CEO Rupert Hogg resigned from his post two weeks ago amid criticism from China over the airline’s response to the city’s...

www.hongkongfp.com

Mainland China is showing what a repressive regime it is. However in 1979, who thought that by c.1990 the Berlin Wall would have fallen and nations like Poland would be free of the yoke of Marxism? Might be harder to achieve in the 21st century.

 

[dajop]

there is a dilemma, if you fly CX, you support the companies' behavior.

if you don't fly CX, job cuts will follow for these people.

Whatever people do,I hope no-one refuses to fly CX to mainland China, especially in favour of MU, CZ or CA. If they are principled enough to refuse to fly CX, they should also have the same principles about avoiding to travel to PRC fullstop.

 

[Melburnian1]

This is a further development, as it features more former staff than just the lady who was union head:

On this airline, flight attendants fear their colleagues could turn on them

With the airline under political and financial pressure, Cathay Pacific staff say random phone searches, social media checks and anonymous complaints have created a culture of suspicion and reprisals.

www.abc.net.au

 

[laffer]

Since when is any corporate entity honourable? It's about making money. CX is no different to any other entity trading with China or any other jurisdiction for that matter.